Although he had four productive seasons at the University of New Hampshire, defensive back Prince Smith still has something to prove.

In order to get an opportunity to play professional football, Smith said he needs to show he can more than hold his own against an increased level of competition. He plans to do just that when he competes in Sunday’s Tropical Bowl, a college all-star game that will be played at Stetson’s Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Fla. 

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Some of the players selected to participate in the Tropical Bowl are projected to be taken in the NFL Draft’s late rounds. Others will will attempt to play their way into the NFL as undrafted free agents.

“Since I was little my goal was always to keep playing as long as I can and make it to the professional level,” Smith said. “I get an opportunity to perform in front of every NFL team. I just want to play well and show that I can play at any level against anybody. I’m 100 percent confident in myself and my abilities. It’s going to be a great experience.”

Smith, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound cornerback, was a four-year starter for New Hampshire and was named to the Colonial Athletic Association’s second team defense last season, when he finished third on the team in total tackles with 64 (43 solo, 21 assisted). He also ranked second in both pass breakups (seven) and interceptions (three).

Senior cornerback Prince Smith, Jr. collects his second postseason award! Congrats on making the All- New England Team!! #GraniteStrong https://t.co/ARa34B6V9T

— UNH Football (@UNH_Football) December 2, 2019

His season highlights included a career-high two interceptions at Delaware and a personal-best 13 tackles (eight solo, five assisted) against the University of Rhode Island. Smith also recorded eight tackles against Albany, Stony Brook and Holy Cross.

“He was always a good tackler because he’s a strong, physical kid, and we put him into the boundary a lot, which is hard because a lot of times he was playing press on the split receiver, but at the same time those guys have to be big and physical enough to play the run over there on the tight end side,” New Hampshire defensive coordinator John Lyons said. “Prince was very capable of that because he’s a physical kid.

“The thing about Prince is he’s a really good competitor,” Lyons continued. “He really likes to play football. He likes to go out and compete. The thing that I always had to work with him on was becoming consistent with his technique because when he did it well he was very, very good. He just loved to go one-on-one with guys.

UNH TOUCHDOWN!! Josh Kania forces a fumble and Prince Smith recovers it and runs it home to give UNH a 28-10 lead!! #BeTheRoar #CAAFB #GraniteStrong #BWWBorderBattle pic.twitter.com/EgVvrGNzRw

— UNH Football (@UNH_Football) November 23, 2019

“He’s a very smart player, too. He played a lot of football here and had a good understanding of what we were doing and why we were doing it. I think he’ll test well, it’s just a matter of getting in there and playing well.”

Smith earned a starting spot in New Hampshire’s defensive backfield as a true freshman. He intercepted five passes that season and was selected as the CAA Rookie of the Year.

He recorded 55 tackles and led the team with nine pass breakups as a sophomore, and had 37 tackles and a team-high eight pass breakups as a junior. Smith finished his college career with 10 interceptions.

“What I do best is compete at a high level,” Smith said. “I’m always going to compete, no matter the situation. Day in and day out I’m going to give you my best. As far as play, I would say my press-man is my strength. At the pro level the No. 1 thing they want out of their (cornerbacks) is to put you over there to press-man up and you get the job done, and I can get the job done.”